Cordoba Leather: Saddlery, bags, belts, boots, Guadamecis...Cordoba Leather/ Cordovan Leather or Spanish Leather is the same Andalucia originated productHabitually, al-Andalus Palaces that were draught-free, in the Cordovan caliphate would have been lined with Cordovan hangings.CordovansCordovans were artisan indulgent décor – in lieu of tapestries. Gilded, embossed leather hangings, introduced to the Iberian Peninsula in the 9th Century.The more luxurious ones were known as: Cordovan Brocades.
What is Cordoba Leather?Vegetable tanned, quality leather obtained from a middle layer of muscle, which lies beneath horsehide epidermis. Dyed in a rich maroon colour, its polished finish, guaranteed the article to last its owner's lifetime.Cordoba Leather also used soft goat's hide for delicate articles such as gloves. This was known as Cordobanes leather. All manner of artistic designs were incorporated in glove fashions. Many were so intricate they were not even worn but were tucked inside the owner's belt during the 16th century. The fingers of ladies gloves were perfumed. 
Inside the Meryan Workshop and Shop Extremely Strong
Decoration PossiblitiesCordovan leather's most fabulous attribute was an open display of wealth, (observe the gold-leaf work below). This not only was popular in the Cordovan Caliphate.
After the Reconquista was completed, Spaniards mastered the art of Cordovan Leather and employed it, to represent the immense wealth of Spain. Cordoba Leather The edging of this map of Spain was metalized with gold-leaf after the application of a specific blend on the leather-surface until a certain biting-point is reached. The leather is burnished and waxed to its full beauty This form of Andalucia Spain art was exported to the Americas during the Age of Discovery. Cordovan leather luxurious craftsmanship spread to Europe, through Spanish royal-family marriages with the Hapsburgs. Equally, it was popular wih all European countries and they soon aquired the art of Cordovan leather. 
Cordwainers versus CobblersA guild was established in the 19th century to recognise the quality of work in producing real Cordovan Leather. Shoemakers were proud to advertise their wares as "Cordwainer" embossed leather.Cobblers tended to reuse old pieces of leather. The work invloved in both instances required a distinctive reference. Fez, MorrocoTradicional al-Andalus techniques are still practised in Fez of Cordoba Leather.Back to Andalucia-Andalusia's Homepage ResourcesMeryan Taller de Cueros de Cordoba,Calleja de las flores, nº2 14003 CORDOBA. http://www.meryancor.com/en-index.html The Culture of al-Andalus Leatherwork SiteMap | Our Maps | Tell us Your Stories ©2010 andalucia-andalusia.com
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